Cannabis Sativa Callus Lysate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 24, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Cannabis Sativa Callus Lysate?

Cannabis Sativa Callus Lysate comes from the humble hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Instead of harvesting the whole plant growers take a tiny piece of plant tissue and place it in a sterile nutrient gel. This encourages the cells to form a soft mass called a callus. Scientists grow the callus in closed tanks where light, temperature and nutrients are tightly controlled. Once enough cells are produced the callus is broken open, or lysed, to release its inner components. The result is a fluid rich in amino acids, natural sugars and small molecules that help keep skin feeling comfortable.

Using plant cell cultures became popular in cosmetics in the late 2000s when brands looked for sustainable ways to get the benefits of botanicals without large-scale farming. Hemp’s hardy nature and low need for pesticides made it a prime candidate. The lysate form is stable, easy to add to formulas and keeps many of the skin-loving properties of the original plant without the legal concerns linked to cannabinoids.

You will most often spot Cannabis Sativa Callus Lysate in moisturizers, anti-aging creams, soothing masks and leave-on serums. Because it is water soluble it blends well with gels, lotions and light emulsions where a smooth non-greasy feel is desired.

Cannabis Sativa Callus Lysate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient is valued for one key role in skin care products.

Skin conditioning: The lysate forms a light film on the surface that helps attract and hold water, leaving skin softer and more supple. Its natural plant molecules can also calm the look of temporary redness which makes it a useful addition to products aimed at sensitive or stressed skin.

Who Can Use Cannabis Sativa Callus Lysate

Cannabis Sativa Callus Lysate is gentle enough for most skin types, including dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Because it is water based and non-occlusive it will not weigh down oily skin or clog pores, while its humectant action helps dry or mature skin hold onto moisture. Those with broken or highly inflamed skin should wait until the skin barrier is intact before applying products that contain it.

The ingredient is sourced entirely from plant cells grown in a lab so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are used at any point in its production.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women are generally considered safe to use skincare that contains Cannabis Sativa Callus Lysate because the lysate does not carry psychoactive cannabinoids. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run new skincare products past a healthcare professional to be on the safe side.

The lysate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so there is no added risk of photosensitivity. It layers well with common actives like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid and does not interfere with makeup wear.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Cannabis Sativa Callus Lysate can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects though most users will not experience any issues when the ingredient is used at normal levels in a well-formulated product.

  • Mild redness or itching especially on very reactive skin
  • Contact allergy extremely rare but possible for anyone sensitive to plant proteins
  • Temporary stinging if applied to freshly exfoliated or compromised skin
  • Breakouts more likely due to other rich ingredients in the same product rather than the lysate itself

If any discomfort or unusual reaction develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5 (non comedogenic)

Cannabis Sativa Callus Lysate is water based and contains almost no oils or waxy lipids that could clog pores. Its lightweight humectant molecules remain on the skin surface then rinse away easily so they do not trap sebum or dead cells.

It is therefore suitable for acne prone or breakout prone skin.

Pore issues are unlikely unless the final product also includes rich butters or heavy silicones so always review the full formula if congestion is a worry.

Summary

Cannabis Sativa Callus Lysate conditions skin by pulling in moisture, forming a thin protective film and soothing visible redness with nutrients released from cultured hemp cells. The result is softer, calmer skin that feels balanced.

The ingredient is still a niche player but its lab grown sustainability and lack of legal hurdles have sparked growing interest among forward thinking brands.

Safety is excellent with very low irritation risk and zero psychoactive content. Even so, skin can be unpredictable so patch test any new product that lists Cannabis Sativa Callus Lysate high on the ingredient panel before full use.

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